Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Dunadry Hotel Co Antrim – Mooney Hotels
Dunadry Hotel & Country Club near Antrim town and close to Belfast is spread out over five acres and boasts a homely, elegant atmosphere with a rich heritage, steeped in local history. Once a stopping point for Warriors of the Red Hand on their journey from Tara to Dunseverick, it has also been home to both a paper and linen mills and has, for generations been a focal point of the area. The newer
rooms are stylishly designed, spacious and airy and some have French windows leading out to the gardens or the inner courtyard. The Flax & Beetle restaurant offers a relaxed and modern dining experience with an emphasis on quality local produce. Expect weekly live entertainment on Saturday nights by the open fire in the lobby lounge. Spa facilities at the Dunadry include a 12.5 metre heated indoor swimming pool, spa pool, steam room, solarium, beauty salon and a fully equipped gymnasium. Its unique architecture makes this hotel the ideal place for
n The Dunadry Hotel Lobby Lounge.
any sort of event. There are many places for you to visit such as the Lough Shore, the Castle Gardens, the Clotworthy Arts Centre, and many forests if you wish to take a nature walk. Slemish Mountain, the legendary first known Irish home of Saint Patrick, is located nearby in Ballymena. The mountain rises 1500 feet above the surrounding plain, and its central core is an extinct volcano. According to legend, following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, Patrick worked as a shepherd on the mountain for six years. It was during this time that he turned to frequent prayer as a consolation to his loneliness. In a vision he was encouraged to escape and return home to become a priest. Slemish Mountain is open all year-round, and on Saint Patrick’s Day large crowds hike to the top of the mountain as a pilgrimage. Other attractions include Lough Neagh/Randallstown Viaduct Walkway/Springfarm Rath/Wildlife Centre & the World of Owls. For activity based holidays, some of the
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com finest sporting and leisure activities are also on offer. www.causewaycoastandglens.com The Junction One Retail and Leisure Park is on the edge of Antrim town and just off the M2 Motorway featuring over 70 retailers including Marks & Spencer, Clarkes, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Bose, Levis and Next. Junction One Retail Park includes occupiers such as n The Spa at Duna dry Antrim. Asda, Homebase, Lidl, Dekko, B&M Bargains and leisure op- tanic. The interpretation also erators include Burger King, Red Panda, Brewer’s Fayre, explores the history of ship Moe’s Grill and the recently making at Harland & Wolff. completed Junction Jack’s It has proved remarkably Adventure Golf course. www. popular since its opening, junctionone.co.uk Described attracting more than 500,000 by National Geographic Trav- visitors in just six months. eller Magazine as an “unspoilt w w w . t i t a n i c b e l f a s t . c o m treasure” Belfast is also only From the vibrant Wellington Park Hotel, to the tranquil, a short hop away. The main city attraction is historical Dunadry Hotel and “Titanic” featuring numerous Country Club, to the ultra interactive galleries across modern Armagh City Hotel, 12,000 square metres of floor the Mooney family has crespace all telling the story of ated a unique portfolio of the construction and doomed hospitality facilities, each maiden voyage of the Ti- oozing with their own special
charm, extraordinary attention to detail and individual touches. Stay 2 nights & Save 10% off the best available rate - room only from £65 per night. Inludes access to leisure facilities. Visit www. mooneyhotelgroup.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com